Biography traces tenor Paul Asciak's eventful life
Small Island, Great Riches, a biography of Maltese tenor Paul Asciak, was launched yesterday at the Casino Maltese in Valletta.
Penned by Sue Brown, the book, published by Allied Publications, tells the moving story of the life of an opera singer who achieved his ambition despite many odds and developing a successful career in Italy and the UK.
Yet, when he was only 38, he gave it all up to return to his family in Malta and begin a new life.
Over 30 years later, he discovered the outstanding vocal talent of Joseph Calleja and became his only teacher, training him in the tradition of fine singing in which he himself had been nurtured.
Paul Asciak’s story is told against the background of the many changes in Maltese life over the last 80 years. As such, it throws light on Maltese identity and culture and the history of opera in Malta.
It also describes in detail the way in which Calleja’s unique voice and style were fostered by Asciak.
The launch ceremony was addressed by Richard England and Abraham Borg, close friends of Paul Asciak, former The Sunday Times editor Laurence Grech and the author, Sue Brown.
Mr Grech described Mr Asciak's life as a life lived to the full.
"A life Paul dedicated to his family, to music and culture, to his beloved country and its capital city; it is a life full of joie de vivre, even if marked by sad events such as the loss of loved ones, disappointments and missed opportunities; it is a life of talent which gave such pleasure – and continues to do so through his recordings -- to so many in Malta, Italy, Britain and other countries," Mr Grech said.
During the ceremony, guests were able to listen to recordings of Mr Asciak's performances as well as a video message from Joseph Calleja.
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Jessica DeBattista
Nov 5th 2010, 17:35
My heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Paul Asciak, a man I have always admired, not only for his wonderful career as a tenor, but also for his readiness to promote art in general.
I have indelible memories of him as the catalyst that brought young artists together in the ‘Art Discussion Group’ way backing in the 80’s. I admired him also when he served as president of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce. His sterling contribution to the society is another facet which further enriches our little island.
May God bless you, Mr. Asciak!
Jessica DeBattista
Martin Galea
Nov 5th 2010, 14:00
Bravo Maestro
a full and eventful life where you gave so much to many and always with such verve and energy
Wishing you the very best
Martin
Albert Vella
Nov 5th 2010, 13:02
Paul
Prosit for all your achievements and many thanks for your contribution to the Maltese music and cultural scene.
Albert Vella, Toronto
James Galea
Nov 5th 2010, 09:43
Mr Asciak was my Music teacher and band director when i was in secondary school. My only regret is that I never new what a great men he was cause he never flattered about his past.
Congratulations Mr.Asciak and may the rest of your life be as successful as it has already been.
Henry Mifsud
Nov 5th 2010, 09:42
The great Paul Axiak may have missed opportunities by deciding to retire at such an early age to be with his family (as did indeed the late Oreste Chircop), but I am sure that he reaped priceless moments throughout his life outside of glitz. What better way to reach the pinnacle of one's success than by signing one's own biography ably penned by Sue Brown and being applauded by one's own student, Malta's star - Joseph Calleja!
Prosit Maestro and thank you for sharing with us your eventful life.
Joe Azzopardi
Nov 5th 2010, 09:26
Congratulations Paul. Wish you all the very best.
Joe DLH